Gentle exercise, healthy air and magnificent surroundings – these all do a world of good. It's hardly surprising then that Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the 15 climatic health resorts in Germany designated as premium class.

But healthy air is by no means the whole story here. Visitors to Garmisch-Partenkirchen receive a personally customised program for getting fit and staying fit. The spa specialises in climatic exercise therapy – developed specifically for Garmisch-Partenkirchen by the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. The principle is simple: exercise in the fresh air gets you fit! Doctors calculate each patient's individual resilience and climate therapists then use this to select suitable walking trails. The climatic exercise therapy is particularly beneficial to people with immune system deficiencies, high or low blood pressure, coronary heart disease, metabolic disorders, musculo-skeletal illnesses, diseases of the respiratory organs or skin disorders – although even the fighting fit will feel the soothing benefits of these therapeutic trails. Those undergoing treatment are regularly offered the chance to walk the marked footpaths and high altitude spa trails, which wind their way through more than 300km of idyllic scenery. At 2,962 metres tall, Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, is a true sight to behold. The terrace at the top station offers breathtaking views of four countries and more than 400 peaks. The Garmisch-Classic ski area offers something for downhill skiers of all abilities. Winter sports enthusiasts can choose from a range of pistes covering three hills, all set against the magnificent backdrop of the mountains.